Southern California Indoor Air Quality Tips for Homeowners Post-Wildfires

Most homeowners focus on the stuff they can see when wildfires roll through California, such as the grey skies, ash on the cars, and that eerie smoke smell hanging in the air.

But the real issue usually starts after the smoke has cleared. The thing is, those wildfire particles don’t just vanish. In reality, they get stuck inside your home.

If you live in places like Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, or Arcadia, you already know that wildfire smoke exposure has become a regular part of life. That is exactly when you need reliable air conditioning repair in Upland, CA.

So once that smoke gets into your home, it can easily circulate through the HVAC system and settle in the filters, vents, and ductwork. Even after the outside air looks clear, the indoor air quality can still be pretty bad.

So with that in mind, here’s the deal: there are practical indoor air quality tips every Southern California homeowner should be following after the wildfire season. These include:

1. Get New Air Filters Right Now

This is the easiest step to get started. It involves swapping out all your HVAC air filters, even if you just changed them recently.

The thing with wildfire smoke is that it contains these tiny particles known as PM2.5. And they’re so fine that they can clog a standard filter in no time. According to the EPA, being exposed to PM2.5 can make asthma worse and cause all sorts of respiratory issues like coughing and irritation – not to mention putting some extra strain on the heart.

So if your home was exposed to smoky conditions for a few days or weeks, your filter probably got a lot more use than usual. But a fresh one will improve airflow and reduce the recirculation of all that trapped junk.

2. Think About Upgrading to a Better Filter

Not all air filters are created equal. For instance, basic fiberglass filters are largely good at catching the big stuff, such as dust and debris. But when it comes to getting rid of the really fine particles in wildfire smoke, they’re as good as worthless. ASHRAE introduced the MERV rating system to help evaluate how good air filters are. And according to them, a MERV 13 filter does a decent job of catching at least 85 % of particles in the 1.0-3.0 micron size range. That covers a good chunk of the PM2.5+ particles we’re talking about here.

That being said, just keep in mind that before you start looking at upgrading to a higher MERV filter, you’ll need to get a pro to check that your system won’t fall apart. That is, you need to be sure it can actually handle the extra pressure. If you go overboard, a filter can eventually become too tough on your equipment. And this, in the long run, reduces efficiency.

3. Get Your HVAC System Inspected After A Wildfire

After getting battered by heavy smoke, it’s a good idea to have a pro take a close look at your HVAC system. For instance, if you are an Angeleno, you’re most likely searching for an air conditioning company Los Angeles after a wildfire.

As we’ve mentioned before, smoke particles can creep into your ductwork and mess with your internal components. And here’s the thing: when your system kicks in, some of that debris can get blown back into your living space.

But the good news is that a professional can help identify any problems with dust build-up, airflow restrictions, or even where smoke got in through leaks. And if you’re spotting performance issues in areas like Upland, CA, then getting air conditioning repair in Upland, CA, after a wildfire is likely a good idea – it can help avoid long-term damage.

The upshot is that taking this preventative step can make a big difference in air quality and system performance in areas prone to wildfires in Southern California.

4. Sealing Off Air Leaks

Smoke gets in through tiny gaps around windows, doors, attic access points, and leaky ducts.

So after the wildfire season, it’s really important to check these areas out and not just seal visible cracks and replace worn weather stripping – but also make sure duct connections are secure. By doing this, you’ll reduce the amount of outdoor pollution that gets into your home during future fires.

5. Cleaning Vents and Return Grilles

It’s not uncommon for dust and smoke particles to accumulate around supply vents and return grilles. So take the time to carefully remove vent covers and give them a good clean. And while you’re at it, vacuum around the openings to get rid of any surface grime.

This can help keep loose debris from re-entering the air, although it’s worth noting it doesn’t replace the need for a proper duct cleaning when necessary.

6. Use Portable Air Purifiers Strategically

Portable HEPA air purifiers can be helpful, especially in the bedroom or main living area. They are likely work best when doors and windows are closed, and the unit is sized right for the room.

Meanwhile, keep in mind that portable units only clean the air in specific spaces, but then they won’t do anything for your entire HVAC system. That’s why, for a whole-home solution, an integrated air purification system that’s connected to your HVAC equipment might be a better option.

7. Staying On Top Of Local Air Quality

Wildfire conditions can change in the blink of an eye. So it’s important to keep an eye on local air quality reports during fire season and take action when levels get too high.

If outdoor air quality is looking pretty poor, do the following:

• Keep the windows and doors shut.
• Run your HVAC system with a clean filter.
• Use recirculation mode if available to reduce outdoor air intake.

But really, the key is staying on top of things. By doing that, you can respond before indoor air quality takes a hit.

8. Be Aware of the Impact of Health Symptoms

Kids, older folk, and people with asthma or heart conditions are super sensitive to air quality. A study found that exposure to wildfire smoke sets off all sorts of respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing, especially in teenagers whose airways are basically tiny. And this is a problem.

So, if anyone in the household is hacking up a lung with a persistent cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath – or if the allergies are getting worse after the wildfires, it’s pretty safe to say that’s all coming from the air inside your home. This is why cleaning your filter and system can make a real difference.

Get Ready for Wildfire Season Before It’s Too Late.

By now, it’s no news to you that wildfire season is basically a given in Southern California. It’s like clockwork. And if you’re wondering when the best time to take care of your indoor air is, the truth is that it’s when the smoke isn’t coming. 

That would mean regularly replacing your filters, checking that your system can actually filter out the bad stuff, getting some preventative maintenance done on your HVAC, sealing up all the air leaks, and just generally keeping an eye on the air quality when the fires are burning.

To that end, if your system is a bit dodgy on the whole airflow and filtration front, and you live in Los Angeles, getting some expert advice about ac installation in Los Angeles is a smart step to take when you’re considering upgrading to some new air.

You know what? You might be thinking, “My HVAC system is just for heating and cooling, but it’s more than that.” While you may be right about that, you shouldn’t forget that it is also a major factor in the quality of the air we breathe in our homes every day.

And one more thing: you need to take care of your system and your air quality after exposure to wildfire smoke. This way, you keep your household safer throughout the year.